Vallejo Mayor Andrea Sorce Balances Leadership and Teaching
Vallejo Mayor Andrea Sorce is making significant strides in her dual role as both a city leader and an economics professor at Diablo Valley College in Pleasant Hill, California. At just 39 years old, Sorce is dedicated to fostering transparency, accountability, and trust within the city while also shaping future generations in the classroom.
Balancing these demanding positions is no small feat. “It has been a challenge balancing the dual roles, especially because there is a lot of work to do in Vallejo,” Sorce said, expressing a desire for more hours in the day. “But I wouldn’t give up either role. I love them both, and there is so much that is complementary between teaching and serving in elected office.”
Born in Raleigh, North Carolina, Sorce made her way to the Bay Area after completing her education. She holds a bachelor’s degree in economics and international studies from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, followed by a master’s in public administration with a focus on international development from the Harvard Kennedy School.
Reflecting on her childhood ambitions, Sorce once dreamed of becoming an astronaut. Today, her focus is on restoring confidence in local government and enhancing civic engagement in Vallejo. She emphasizes that her teaching experience profoundly shapes her governance approach. “The perspectives of my students directly inform the way I approached both the campaign and my time as mayor,” she stated.
Sorce began teaching at DVC in 2018, secured a full-time position in 2020, and achieved tenure last year. Her students benefit from her unique insights into public policy and economics, as she integrates real-world issues into her curriculum. “Because I teach economics with a policy focus, it allows me to bring real-world issues into the classroom,” Sorce explained. “My students’ feedback helps me see how people are thinking about policy decisions from a community perspective.”
Her role as mayor further complements her teaching, as Sorce advocates for fiscal transparency and inclusive decision-making in Vallejo. “I don’t set the budget in Vallejo like many mayors do in other cities,” she noted. “But I get to weigh in and vote on it, and I know that constituents appreciate that with my background I’m able to understand and engage with many aspects of the budget on a deeper level.”
Recently, she initiated public study sessions on Vallejo’s financial situation to educate residents about the implications of a structurally balanced budget. “I try to explain things like the risks of dipping into our reserves or the need to plan ahead for things like pension liabilities,” Sorce said. “Having an economics professor on the dais presents an opportunity to break down some of the jargon and work through why these decisions are important and how they will impact our community in the short, medium, and long term.”
Sorce’s journey into public office stems from her commitment to public service. “I’ve been in public service my entire career and have a strong belief that government can and should work for the people,” she remarked. Her election in 2022 was marked by a surprising upset, and since then, she has prioritized enhancing communication and trust between the government and residents.
One of her key objectives is to shift the culture of governance in Vallejo from isolation to collaboration. Addressing the city’s troubled history with police misconduct, Sorce believes that transparency is essential. “Before I took office, I don’t think I had heard a high-up Vallejo official speak openly about the history of corruption and police misconduct in Vallejo,” she stated. “We have to be honest about what happened and show the public that we are doing the work to rebuild trust.”
Accessibility is another cornerstone of her efforts. Sorce emphasizes the importance of reaching out to all community segments, particularly those who have felt marginalized in the political process. “I take very seriously issues around fairness in who gets access to the mayor’s office,” she said. This past spring, she visited all three of the city’s high schools to engage with students, a practice she noted had not occurred before in Vallejo.
Sorce envisions a city government that feels approachable. “I want Vallejo students to recognize me on the street and feel comfortable coming over and saying hi,” she expressed. “That’s what community connection looks like.”
When not teaching or leading the city, Sorce enjoys spending time with her husband, Slater Matzke, whom she met while serving in the Peace Corps in Honduras. Together, they share their home with a dog and five cats, affectionately referred to as “foster fails,” from their local Humane Society.
Guided by the philosophy of Maya Angelou, Sorce believes in the importance of continual growth and accountability. “Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better,” she quoted. “We have to push ourselves to do the right thing and live by our values. Accountability doesn’t have to be punitive — it’s a necessary part of growth.”
Looking ahead, Sorce’s measure of success is clear. “If people have more trust in their city government in 2029 than they did in 2024, particularly when it comes to the stewardship of tax dollars and the city’s ability to deliver results — I will have done my job.”
